In a surprising revelation, former wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has weighed in on the debate over legendary cricket captains, choosing Sourav Ganguly over the likes of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Patel, who began his international career at the age of 17, played under Ganguly’s captaincy in 15 Test matches and 10 ODIs. Despite also experiencing leadership from both Dhoni and Kohli, Patel maintains a strong affinity for Ganguly’s captaincy.
During the 6th Advancement in Endourology Conference at the Forum Convention Centre, Patel praised Ganguly’s leadership qualities. Despite acknowledging the successes of Dhoni and Kohli, Patel emphasized Ganguly’s unique ability to allocate time for every player, a quality that, according to Patel, sets him apart. Patel’s unexpected choice adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussions around cricket’s all-time great captains, setting the stage for further debates and speculations, particularly with the approaching IPL 2024.
Parthiv Patel, now 38, also had the experience of playing under MS Dhoni’s captaincy for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Patel was part of CSK’s victorious campaign in 2010, winning the IPL title under Dhoni’s leadership. Additionally, he contributed to the Mumbai Indians’ triumphs in 2015 and 2017 and represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in several editions of the IPL.
While expressing admiration for MS Dhoni’s greatness as a captain, Patel revealed a special fondness for Ganguly as his first captain. Patel acknowledged that his own decline in performance paved the way for Dhoni’s inclusion in Indian cricket. Despite recognizing Dhoni’s achievements and leadership qualities, Patel confessed to having a soft spot for his initial captain.
MS Dhoni, a stalwart in the Indian cricketing landscape, has achieved significant success as a captain, leading the Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL trophies and guiding the Indian national team to victories in the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 2011 World Cup. Despite Patel’s preference for Ganguly, Dhoni’s impactful leadership legacy remains a defining chapter in Indian cricket history.
